The Notaries Society
As an English Notary, my principal function is to authenticate documents that are to be used abroad so that anyone in the country where the document is to be used can be sure either that it has been properly signed and is legally binding, or that it is genuine.
Examples include:
- Documents required for weddings in foreign countries
- Powers of attorney and other documents for buying or selling property abroad
- Powers of attorney for foreign business transactions such as signing a contract or opening a bank account
- Sponsorship forms for UK visa applications
- Applications for foreign visas for example for a long stay abroad
- Qualifications for jobs abroad such as a degree certificate or a letter of reference
- Documents for adopting a child in another country
- Documents for use in foreign court proceedings
If you are unsure whether you need the services of a notary, please call me and I will be happy to advise you.
If the services can be provided more cheaply by me as a Commissioner for Oaths I will let you know.
Making an appointment
When you ring to make an appointment I will ask you about the nature of the document to be dealt with. When you come for your appointment, I will want to see any relevant papers or documents that relate to the matter. It helps a lot if you can send me by email or fax a copy of any documents and instructions you have received from the foreign lawyer before we meet.
Foreign language documents
I will need to be sure that both you and I understand the document and know what effect it will have when it goes abroad. I cannot simply take your word for it. I may have to insist that it is properly translated into English, or that a qualified interpreter is present at our interview. I may need both. You will have to pay for these extra services. The cost varies according to the length and complexity of the document and the language involved.
Providing Proof of Identity
You must bring good evidence of your identity. Generally this will have to be a current valid passport and in addition, proof of address (Council Tax or recent utility bill, bank statement or driving licence) to confirm your address. If you do not hold a valid passport, please bring a photocard driving licence and separate proof of address. If you have neither a current passport nor a driving licence we will need to discuss what other form of identification will suffice.
How long it takes
If the document is straightforward, already prepared and in the correct form I will probably need to see you for a minimum of 15 – 20 minutes and complete it in half an hour. Obviously it takes longer if the document is not straightforward, or if I have draw up the document or make a proper copy. Many countries want documents to be countersigned by their London Embassies (legalisation) and this will take several days unless you want to take them to the Embassy in person and wait in line. The fees and procedures for this vary widely but I should be able to give you a reasonably accurate idea of the time and cost.
Legalisation
This is the procedure by which my position as a Notary Public is verified, so that lawyers and others in the country for which the documents are intended can be sure that I am qualified to authenticate the documents. This is normally done by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office attaching to your document an endorsement called an apostille. Find the legalisation department of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office here: www.fco.gov.uk.
Identification
If for some reason you need to verify my identity, then the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury can issue a formal certificate on request to confirm that a Notary is in good standing and holds a practising certificate. Membership bodies will, on request, confirm membership.
